Cyber-bullying and stalking are unique in that the harassment is generally confined to electronic means of communication. This does not lessen the potential impact of such actions and many people suffer from great stress, fear, and health problems as a result.
Cyber-bullies have various motivations and can inflict great emotional pain by their online behavior. Many cases go unreported but much research has been done into the cause and effect of cyber-stalking. It is a new form of harassment where the perpetrator hides behind a cell phone or computer and there is seldom any physical contact.
What Does Cyber-Bullying Look Like?
Cyber-bullying incorporates a group of behaviors that are characterized by and include the following:
- An individual or group uses electronic communication to harass an individual, a group of people or an organization.
- Threats and false accusations are communicated by email or social media.
- Derogatory comments and hurtful remarks are sent by email or social media.
- The victim is subjected to a never-ending stream of abusive letters and comments about who they are, what they believe and what they do.
- The perpetrator may try to control a person by telling them how to live their life, criticizing their writing or photographs on Facebook and demanding that they change.
Why do People Resort to Cyber-Stalking and Bullying?
There are a number of motivations for cyber-bullying and these can be loosely grouped as follows:
- The rejected stalker is someone known to the victim. There has normally been a break in their relationship and they begin to bully as a reaction to this.
- Rejected lovers may turn into cyber-bullies. They pursue the other person relentlessly, bullying them while still hoping for reconciliation.
- Resentful stalkers may harass a victim in the hopes of paying them back for a real or imagined slight. Predatory stalkers are dangerous and this behavior may be part of gathering information for sexual attacks.
- Delusional stalkers suffer from mental illnesses and live in a world that is part fantasy. They can come across as lucid and may convince a victim that they are inferior and at fault.
- A troll is a time-waster and provokes people into engaging in pointless discussions. They change their story and twist facts until their victims are emotionally drained and exhausted.
Protection Against Cyber-Bullying
The most important thing to remember about cyber-stalking and bullying is that it is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. Here are some tips for dealing with a cyber bully:
- Tell someone you trust what is happening and ask for help.
- Do not engage with the stalker if the person is known to you. It is alright to send a written statement warning them that you will not tolerate their behavior but do not get involved with communicating with them beyond that.
- Save copies of everything sent by email, cell phone or social media. Date it all and keep it in a file together for possible future use. In certain cases, it is possible to seek police or legal help and lay harassment charges.
- Change email addresses and cell phone numbers, keep Facebook settings private and block access wherever possible.
Cyber-bullying can be extremely hurtful and stressful and it is essential to seek help as soon as the problem becomes apparent. Many bullies disappear when stood up to and if you involve the police or take legal action, it may bring the desired results.
Reference:
Cyber Stalking: A Global Menace in the Information Super Highway; Dr. K. Jaishankar and V. Uma Sankarv; Creation of the European and International Research Group on Crime, Ethics and Social Philosophy (ERCES). Accessed 24 July, 2011
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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